Manitoba Liberals would welcome taxi alternatives like Uber if elected

Manitoba's NDP government is blasting the provincial Liberals for promising legislation that would pave the way for ride-sharing services such as Uber to operate.

Liberal Leader Rana Bokhari made the promise on Thursday, as her party gears up for a provincial election slated for next spring.

"We want what's best for Manitobans and they are telling us they want to be able to use their smart phones to access transportation," she said.

Uber, which already exists in several cities, enlists drivers with their own cars to act as unlicensed "taxis." Passengers book rides through an app.

Winnipeg's mayor has also said he is open to ride sharing services in the city, and a Probe research poll in August showed 60 per cent of Winnipeggers were in favour of Uber.

Uber has advertised the need for drivers in Winnipeg and hosted a recruitment event in the city.

The NDP government has previously said that anyone driving for the service would be doing so illegally.

• Driving for Uber in Manitoba would be illegal, province says
• Ride-sharing service Uber wants in Winnipeg market
• What you need to know about the Uber vs. taxi battle

But on Thursday afternoon, the province announced that it has put out a call for proposals to review the taxicab industry in Winnipeg.

• Manitoba to review taxicab industry in Winnipeg

Municipal Government Minister Drew Caldwell saidBokharihas no business voicing her support forUberwhile public consultations on the issue get underway.

"I think it is really ill-considerate. It doesn'tsurpriseme because the Liberal leader has been seeking headlines of late," he told CBC News.

"I'm also concerned of making announcements which I think are very reckless in the context of a public consultation that's underway."

In a news release, Caldwell said the taxicab industryreview recognizes "a growing need for an updated study to streamline existing regulations while addressing the needs and concerns of the public."

Taxi companies in Winnipeg have told CBC News they wouldfight Uber's arrival in Winnipeg.

• Duffy's, Unicity join together to fight ride-sharing program Uber in Winnipeg

Whether people like it or not, it's coming,Bokhari said, adding"we need to evolve with the changes that are coming in this industry."

That said, she doesn't want to see Uberforce its way into Manitoba, soa plan is needed to create legislation, and get the insurance and safety protocols in place.

As premier, Bokhari said she woulddirect Manitoba Public Insurance to "develop insurance products to facilitate those who would like to offer rides in their private vehicles."

While she would prefer a made-in-Manitoba ride-sharing program over Uber, Bokhari said that either way,the government needs to be proactive about its arrival andwork withtaxi companies and cab drivers to "ensure they are fairly compensated."

She wouldn't elaborate on what that means, however.

Manitobansgo to the polls on April 19, 2016.